Mapping the distribution of yaws and Haemophilus ducreyi in the western north region of Ghana.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Treponema pallidum subspecies pertenue and Haemophilus ducreyi cause skin ulcers in impoverished communities. Historical serologic records from Ghana focus on T. pallidum, omitting potential H. ducreyi cases. The objective of this study was to investigate, for the first time, the presence and distribution of T. p .subsp. pertenue and/or H. ducreyi in skin lesions in two previously unstudied areas in Western North Region of Ghana.

Methods

We conducted observational cross-sectional surveys and screened skin lesions in the Aowin municipality and Suaman district in Western North Region, Ghana. Suspected yaws cases were tested for 1) treponemal and non-treponemal antibodies using a finger-prick blood test and 2) Treponema pallidum and H. ducreyi DNA in lesion swabs usi

SUBMITTER: Simpson SV 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12751820 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature